The Florida Gators are undefeated, ranked No. 21 in the most recent AP Poll (although Jon Sumrall doesn't care) and are about to walk into a raucous home crowd for the biggest game at The Swamp in at least five years.
All signs are pointing forward for Sumrall and the Gators, but there is a LONG way to go with this schedule and, through three games, Florida has answered some questions on the field already and has some lingering as they approach a critical part of the season
3 answers the Gators have already given through 3 games
Aaron Philo is exactly what Florida hoped he would be
When Philo followed Buster Faulkner to Gainesville it was because he knew that he could successfully run Faulkner's offense with a high level of efficiency. So far that's been the case. Philo does everything that the Gators have needed him to do. He can push the ball downfield when asked, and he can be physical in the run game.
More than anything, Philo is a tough competitor and someone that brings the fight right out of the huddle. It's clear that the team has positively responded to his leadership, and it should only get better with more time and experience.
Jadan Baugh is officially the best RB in the country
Baugh was going to have to be great for Florida's offense to hum and great is an understatement. Through three games, Baugh is the clear favorite to win the Doak Walker Award and a legitimate sleeper candidate for the Heisman Trophy. He's also extremely fun to watch and root for. Baugh is running his way up the Gators record books and will be among the top five Florida running backs when this season is finished.
The Gators pass rush is showing up and showing out
If the Auburn game is any indication of what's going to happen next, Jayden Woods and Emmanuel Oyebadejo are straight-up dogs. Both had 2.5 sacks against the Tigers and Oyebadejo, in particular, looked unblockable.
Brad White is a good defensive coordinator, and he can scheme up a lot, but when there's an elite pass rusher on the edge like Woods, it makes life a lot easier. Week 4 will be the biggest test of the pass rush because, as slippery as Byrum Brown can be, Trinidad Chambliss is so much better.
2 questions that the Gators will need to answer soon
Can the secondary elevate itself to the next level?
There has been an adjustment to White's scheme, and it's taken a while for the secondary to adjust. Ben Hanks III has been particularly underwhelming and the Gators pass defense is giving up 273.5 yards per game and over 61% completions. Those numbers should get better, and they will need to get better quickly because the next six quarterbacks on the schedule are Chambliss, Austin Simmons, LaNorris Sellers, Arch Manning, Gunner Stockton and John Mateer.
Is the offensive line ready for the upcoming tests?
It's been a great start for the Gators offense and the offensive line, but things are going to get much tougher. The Ole Miss defensive front is deep and tough. Will Echoles is going to be one of the first defensive linemen selected in the 2027 NFL Draft. He can wreck an offense's day. Kam Franklin. Blake Purchase and Suntarine Perkins will cause havoc on the edge. The Gators offensive line has to stand up strong in Week 4 and know that it won't get any easier for the rest of the schedule.
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